Operation Rebirth Christian Academy

Operation Rebirth Christian Staff Members

and our Leadership Team

Dave Babcock

Executive Director

Dave is a mission-driven executive whose leadership at Operation Rebirth Christian Academy is built on a foundation of 30 years of military service and 20 years in corporate leadership. This extensive background has cultivated his passion for operational excellence, strategic thinking, and community engagement. He is highly skilled at optimizing non-profit operations, fostering spiritual growth, and developing sustainable ministry programs, drawing on decades of real-world experience in demanding environments.

A champion of faith-based leadership, Dave has a proven ability to cultivate strong relationships with churches, donors, and volunteers, effectively expanding outreach and strengthening the Academy's impact. His commitment to embodying and communicating Christian values guides his approach to leading, training, motivating, and mentoring the Operation Rebirth Christian Academy organization, staff, and students. Dave empowers them to achieve spiritual, academic, and personal growth in knowledge, wisdom, and application, while also fostering close partnerships with parents and the community.

Malea Young

Teacher / Leader

I am passionate about teaching young people and inspiring them to find a lifelong love of learning.  I strive to create an environment where every student feels empowered to believe in themselves and discover their unique strengths.  As a natural encourager, I find the greatest joy in witnessing those “breakthrough moments” where a student overcomes a challenge and realizes his/her full potential.  My mission is to nurture confidence, resilience, and curiosity in every student I have the privilege to teach.

It is most important to me that I leave a legacy that reflects Jesus and points others toward Him.  My mission for ORCA students is that they leave here not only confident in their education, but also deeply rooted in their personal relationship with Christ.  My prayer is that they will each grow in the areas of respect, responsibility, and relationships as they become more grounded in their faith and education.

Rich Colclough

Faith-Ops Coordinator / Leader

Rich serves as the Faith-Operations Coordinator at Operation Rebirth Christian Academy, bringing a deep passion for discipleship and spiritual formation to the next generation. With over 20 years of ministry experience, Rich has faithfully served as a youth pastor and has mentored and discipled numerous men in their walk with Christ. His heart for raising up faithful leaders and building gospel-centered communities has been a consistent thread throughout his ministry.

Before entering full-time Christian vocation, Rich spent 17 years in the healthcare field, where he cultivated a strong foundation in service and operational excellence. He also proudly served in the United States Army—first as an enlisted German Linguist Interrogator and later, after graduating West Point Military Academy, as an Infantry Officer—experiences that shaped his leadership, discipline, and commitment to service.

Rich holds a Master’s in Theology from Western Seminary and is committed to integrating sound doctrine with practical ministry. At Operation Rebirth, he combines his diverse background and deep faith to support the academy’s mission of raising up Christ-centered leaders who will impact their communities for generations to come.

Chris and Arianna Rigby

Dorm Cottage Leaders

Christopher and Arianna Rigby serve as Dorm Parents at Operation Rebirth Christian Academy, where they are honored to pour into the next generation through discipleship, structure, and Christ-centered family living. Late in the year 2023, Christopher and Arianna each received a vision from the Lord—individually, yet identical—for a school that focuses on building relationships, developing skills, coming into a restorative, purposeful relationship with our savior.

Their journey in service together began in 2020 during the “pandemic lockdown” delivering meals to local school children, and volunteering at different food pantries. They also served in Sunday school in their hometown of Winter Haven, Florida until moving to Ohio in 2022. They then moved to Urbana, Ohio, where they now faithfully serve in children’s and worship ministry at Faith Tabernacle Church.

Now, as new parents to their baby boy, Ezekiel, the Rigbys continue to live out their calling to raise up a generation rooted in truth, identity, and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. 

Operation Rebirth Christian Academy Board Members

Joe Braden

Chairman of the Board

With a career rooted in public service and community leadership, I currently serve as Director of Regional Liaisons for a statewide elected official—work that has deepened my lifelong commitment to serving others. I am a former mayor of Saint Paris, Ohio, where I was honored to lead and support my hometown. Prior to my time in public office, I spent nearly 25 years as a senior mechanical product designer in the engineering field, and for 13 years, my wife and I proudly owned and operated Braden’s Café & Sweets, a local gathering place for friends, families, and faith.

Operation Rebirth Christian Academy gives me a powerful opportunity to put my Christian faith into action. As Chair of the Board of Directors, I’m grateful to work alongside a passionate and diverse group of believers who share a common mission: building boys into Christian men. I’m committed to growing awareness of ORCA’s impact, expanding our reach, and ensuring this ministry continues to transform young lives for generations to come.

I’ve been blessed to be married to my wonderful wife, Tonya, for 33 years. We have three amazing children and two cherished grandchildren.

J.T.

Board Secretary 

This Board Member chooses not to maintain an online presence due to the sensitive nature of their official duties. We fully respect that decision and deeply value the insight, leadership, and faith-driven commitment they bring to Operation Rebirth Christian Academy.

Chuck Metherd

Board Treasurer 

Overview to be inserted later.

Paul  Lauzau

Member-at-Large

Paul is a retired financial executive and currently serves on the board of three nonprofit organizations.  During his career he worked as a Certified Public Accountant and then as the financial administrator of a hospital. His personal interests are sailing and playing golf. 

Paul has been involved with Operation Rebirth since 2010 when he sent his teenage son there. The school had a major impact in shaping his son into a godly and responsible young man.

Max  Lauzau

Member-at-Large

With a professional background in construction project management, I bring extensive hands-on experience leading residential development projects from initial planning through to successful completion. My career spans both construction and real estate, offering a well-rounded perspective on everything from site development to final sale. I specialize in coordinating diverse teams, managing budgets and timelines, and delivering high-quality outcomes that meet the goals of clients, stakeholders, and communities.

I’m honored to serve on the Operation Rebirth Board of Directors—a role that’s especially meaningful to me as an alumnus of the program. Operation Rebirth played a foundational role in my personal, spiritual, and academic development, and I’m passionate about helping the next generation of students benefit in the same transformative ways. I aim to contribute not only my professional expertise, but also the deep personal commitment and faith-driven perspective that comes from being part of the OR legacy.